"Students must remain the center of our conversation." This reflection came to fruition during the panel discussion on day two of the PBS Digital Innovator Summit in Denver, Colorado, yet was the backbone of the conversation throughout the weekend. I was honored to attend the Summit as Lead Digital Innovator from Delaware, working alongside 51 other educators, one from each state including the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico and PBS Station representatives. Keynote speakers, panel discussions, and an unconference EdCamp led by the one and only Hadley Ferguson (@Hadleyjf) left me with pages of ideas to run with this school year. Here are a few...

1. Selfie Kahoot

Tech guru Leslie Fisher (@lesliefisher) shared this brilliant idea...but first, allow me to discuss Kahoot! This is a seamless way to integrate gamification in the classroom and the students LOVE it. I can't stress that enough. Kahoot has been impactful in my classroom for reviewing previous concepts, introducing new concepts, and allowing students to personalize their own learning by developing their own questions. If you are a limited device classroom, there is also a team-player mode. This would be an exciting way to liven up your next professional development session! Back to the Selfie! I plan to use Kahoot to start the year when developing classroom community by creating a Kahoot about myself! I encourage you to try it! Let the students in on fun facts - develop those relationships and create those connections! You could even share some facts in your back to school letter and include those in your Selfie Kahoot! Afterwards, let each student create their own "Selfie Question". Compile each students question into a Class Selfie Kahoot. What a great way to give each student the spotlight! (PS: Did you know Kahoot added a preview feature?! See picture below!)

2. QUIZIZZ

Thank you again to the lovely Leslie Fisher for sharing Quizizz! While very similar to Kahoot, there are some distinct differences. Students can play independently (which would work well as a center) and also has very thorough reporting post quiz. There is also a create your own meme for each question and varying themes to select when you create your Quizizz. Students are also assigned a cute Avatar when signing in! I am looking forward to integrating Quizizz in a different way than I implement Kahoot in my classroom. Check back this fall for more updates on how I am using the two in my classroom!

3. FORMATIVE/TodaysMeet

As an avid user of Today's Meet in the classroom to check in with students and as a formative assessment tool, I was over the moon to explore Formative this weekend. I loved the ability to create questions in folders and the option for students to send their drawing as a response (similar to the Draw tool in Nearpod). Realtime results!